Having already clinched a North Eastern Athletic Conference [NEAC] playoff berth, the Lancaster Bible College women's basketball team's regular season finale on Saturday was all about gaining momentum for the postseason and honoring its only senior, Brittney Becker. Oh and doing something they haven't done in 14 years played a part too.

The Chargers jumped all over Penn St. Berks and cruised to an easy 73-49 victory to end the regular season with a 14-11 record overall and an 11-7 record in NEAC play. The 14 wins are the most regular season wins the Chargers have had since the 1998-99 season when LBC won 15 regular season games.

Lauren Heliger led all scorers with 24 points and added six rebounds and four steals as the Chargers won for the fifth time in six games. Freshman Sarah Heilenman added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Emily Martz had a career-high 11 points, including her first collegiate 3-pointer.

"I think we came out with more mental toughness than we showed on Thursday [a 75-65 loss to St. Elizabeth]," LBC Head Coach Doug Helsel said. "We were ready to play and built up a nice lead early on."

The Chargers led 18-6 just 6:01 into the game and never looked back as they led by 18 at halftime and by as many as 28 in the second half. Because of the lead, the entire Chargers' bench saw extended action in the second half as the starters got a rest and began to prepare for Tuesday's NEAC playoff game against St. Elizabeth.

LBC will square off with the Screaming Eagles for the third time this season on Tuesday night in Morrisville, N.J. St. Elizabeth has won both of the previous meetings, including this past Thursday.

"I think we need to fix a few things and for sure play better defense," Helsel said. "We need to limit our mental mistakes like we did today."

Prior to Saturday's game, the Chargers recognized their lone senior, Brittney Becker. Becker, a four-year player, appeared in her 100th game on Saturday.

"What stands out for me is she is such a phenomenal leader," Helsel said. "She has impeccable character, is always striving for excellence and is an inspirational person who is always looking to lift other people up. She is a special kid and does everything we have asked of her."

Offering his highest praise, Helsel also said of Becker, "I'm really not sure I will ever coach someone with her leadership skills ever again."

Whatever the outcome of Tuesday's NEAC playoff game, the Chargers will host either Philadelphia Biblical or Valley Forge Christian in the NCCAA East Region Final on Thursday night at 7 p.m. The winner of Thursday's game will advance to the NCCAA National Tournament in Circleville, Ohio.